What is a Build Out?

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What is a Build Out? Everything You Need to Know about Commercial Retail Build Outs

What is a Build Out? Everything You Need to Know

What is a build out? If you don’t know anything about retail construction, the build-out process can be difficult. Read on to learn everything you need to know.

Your online business has grown and you think now is the time to consider a physical retail space. According to the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) having a brick and mortar location can actually increase your online traffic.

The best way to venture in the physical retail space is to look for a space that is perfect for a build out. What is a build out? Can’t you simply buy a space and move in? Not quite.

We’ve put together a guide to help you get started with your first commercial retail build-out project. We will explain the process timing and some important topics you need to consider.

What is a Build Out?

A lot of commercial real estate buildings begin as a large empty space with not much more than four walls and windows and doors. The space then gets finished to meet a particular business’s needs.

This process of finishing the building is referred to as a “build out” in the commercial real estate development industry.

Tenant and Landlord Negotiations

Before you can begin any build out, you need to have the approval of the landlord or owner of the building. You will need to agree on what improvements will get done to the building.

You need to decide who will pay for the changes. Then which party will take charge of the work getting done. Finally, you will need to know what you are allowed or required to remove on the day you decide to vacate the space.

Before you begin anything, you need to have these details worked out and included in your lease. These agreements need to be in writing so there is no confusion later on.

Landlord Takes Control

If you agree to have the landlord take control of the build out, it makes the process turn-key for you. They will manage the architectural plans and contractors. You will save time and money not having to manage the project yourself.

The downside is that you also may not have any say in the materials or timing. This puts you at the mercy of the landlord.

Tenant Takes Control

Taking over the build out yourself gives you complete control. When you handle the build out you get a say in design, scheduling, and materials used.

Zoning and Permitting

You and landlord now agree on what is going to get done, who is in charge, and who’s paying. Construction can’t start just yet though.

Before any work starts, zoning and permitting approvals need to be obtained. Zoning is how we make sure that certain types of businesses are located in the right areas.

This is why you see property zoned for industrial, commercial, or residential. No one wants to buy a home and end up with a factory next to them.

Permitting approval ensures that future building plans conform to building codes. The codes make sure that structural and safety standards get achieved.

Hire a Professional

You cannot move forward with your project without these approvals. The best thing you can do is hire a professional contractor who has familiarity with the county and city offices.

The permitting process can take months, and that’s knowing the people and the system. Having an experienced contractor will help your project go through the process smoothly. They can inform you of the local regulations because they work with them on a daily basis.

Under Built

Commercial construction can get costly quick and it can get tempting to cut corners on materials. Remember that lower quality materials won’t last and send a message about the quality of your brand.

If you are doing a retail build out, this could undermine the shopping experience for your customers. Your customers may not specifically notice and think about the cheap materials, but they will get an overall impression of the quality.

If you find that the cost of the entire build out is too much consider dividing the project into phases. This lets you ease up on the bottom line without sacrificing quality.

Over Built

It can get tempting to try and achieve all of your dreams in your build out. You need to create an honest list of items you need vsindustry want.

Remember that major changes like structural, plumbing, and flooring will bump up the budget fast. These changes may not be worth it if your lease is only a few years.

The longer your lease is in a space, the more likely you will want to make expensive major changes. Compare the financial investment of the change to the influence that change has on your business.

Hiring a professional contractor can help you create a design suitable for your use and time in the space. This can help you save money by providing suggestions from their experience.

Architect

The architect will create plans for you to approve and discuss with the landlord. Once you and the landlord approve, the architect will create the construction documents for permitting.

This process can take two to three months. This is assuming there aren’t many changes to the plans and everyone readily agrees.

Permitting

The permitting phase can vary greatly depending on your plans and the municipality. A good starting point is four to six weeks.

Construction

This phase begins as soon as the contractor obtains permitting approval from the local government entity. The time construction takes depends entirely on the size of your project.

If you have a basic small office build out it can take as little as two to three months. If you have a detailed 15,000 square foot retail build out it can take six months or more to complete.

Finishing and Fixtures

Once the major construction completes, the finishes and fixtures are next. This phase involves installing fans, lighting, or faucets. It can also include installing your retail furniture like shelving or cashier’s area.

This phase typically takes two to three weeks. However, it can take longer if you decide to do a walk through and request additional changes.

Your Commercial Build Out Plan Elements

The build out plan involves more than just where you want to place desks or display shelving. It also includes the technical parts of your space like electrical, plumbing, and HVAC.

Design

If you have no experience in building design work, it is well worth it to hire an architect. This will take up about 20% of your budget.

However, it will save you more than that in mistakes and time later on. An architect will give you a design that works and complies with code.

An architect firm will know how to combine both your desired customer experience with building requirements such as ADA requirements.

They will help you utilize existing electrical and plumbing to help save money on the construction phase. Why move the bathroom if you can design the space to work with where it is currently located?

Electrical

The best way to keep the budget down is to use the existing electrical wiring. This isn’t always possible though.

Maybe the wiring is old and needs replacing. Maybe your business has additional power supply needs such as a hair salon or dog groomer.

Let’s assume you can use the existing wiring, you may need to add on to it. This happens if you want custom “on brand” lighting to highlight your products.

Keep in mind that making major changes to the electrical requires additional permitting. This will add time and cost to your project.

Plumbing

Is there a bathroom in the space? Do you need a bathroom? Can the bathroom stay where it is located?

Before you decide to move the bathroom, see if you can give it a fresh coat of paint and work the rest of your design around it. This will save you a ton on your budget.

If there is no bathroom, how will this affect your business? If it is a retail location, you may not have the option of choosing to not have a bathroom.

With no bathroom, your customers will leave if they require one. Your employees will also have to close the store so they can leave to use one elsewhere.

Another thing to consider is if your buildout is happening in a larger building. When this happens, you may not have a choice of where the bathroom is located.

This happens because the plumbing is already in place for the surrounding retail spaces. Your build out will need to tie into the existing system.

Ceilings and Floors

What you do with the ceiling and floors should be all cosmetic. Hopefully, you negotiated for the landlord to be the one responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the main building elements, including the ceiling and flooring.

Your budget should include the finishing you plan to do on the floor. This could involve varnishing the existing concrete, carpeting, or tiling.

HVAC

The best way to avoid HVAC costs is to have the landlord take responsibility for this system. You could also agree to pay for it, and then request free or discounted rent in exchange.

The thought process here is that the HVAC system is a major part of the existing building. The landlord would need to maintain it anyway. It is not a specific change to suit your business.

This expense can be relatively small requiring just the upgrade of an AC unit. Or it could be quite expensive requiring replacement of the entire duct work.

Millwork

A typical retail space will use about 20% of your budget for the display fixtures. The cost of your display is factored by the quality, materials, and space you are going to outfit.

Using a common wood will be a cheaper option than a rarer wood like Brazilian teak. A simple square or rectangle space will be cheaper than a space with lots of corners and bends.

It will take more time and materials to custom build your display fixtures to fit around the unique shapes of the space. This is where a professional can help save you money.

They can make sure your space has a creative design to work with the shape. This will reduce the amount of effort needed to create the fixtures.

Painting

When you get to the painting stage it means you are almost done with the project! When it comes to painting, flat will be cheaper than going with a semi-gloss. The darker the color you choose, the more coats it will take to make it look even and good.

Start Your Build Out Process

By now you should have a good idea about what is a build out. The best thing you can do is enlist the help of a professional to set a budget. Once you have a number, you can start to look for spaces that suit your needs.

Look for retail spaces that are already zoned for your particular use. This will narrow down your search.

Once you find a potential space, discuss with the landlord any potential changes you wish to make. You’ll want to negotiate with the landlord to help save you money by having the landlord take responsibility for at least a portion of the changes.

If you intend to make major construction and structural changes then your best option is to hire an architect. They will guide you through the design process so your build out complies with the local codes.

After you have a design everyone agrees on, it’s time for permitting. The permits are your contractor’s ticket to start work.

After the construction, the final touches will get done. Then the only thing left is for you to move your business in and open your doors for business.

We’ve made the process sound rather quick but remember that it can take several months for completion. You will also want to pad your budget and schedule for any unforeseen problems.

Feeling a bit overwhelmed about? That’s ok, let us guide you through the process.

Selecting a Remodeling Contractor | South Florida

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Selecting a Remodeling Contractor

Your home or your place of business is bound to be a space that you are possessive about; especially so, when the remodelers and builders move in. It is at this point that you are most anxious about the construction work being carried out at your place of business or your home.
It is quite possible that your anxiety stems from the unknown; questions pertaining to your remodeling or renovation vision for your home or place of business and your remodeling contractor’s ability to deliver on your vision are bound to crop up. However; you can put these concerns to rest when you hire a seasoned and skilled remodeling contractor to work on your home or your place of business.
Selecting a remodeling contractor that can deliver bang for your buck is easier said than done; taking into consideration that remodeling contractors are a dime a dozen. So how does one pick out the best from among the rest; read further for answers.

Vetting

Your home and/or place of business are among the most important assets that you own. As such; you do not hand over your assets to just about anyone. When hiring remodeling contractors to recreate your home or place of business according to your vision; insist on a thorough vetting process. Without a doubt; you should be able to insist on working with remodelling contractors that have a track record for client satisfaction, understand the importance of communication with the client, have no record of unethical business practices and have a portfolio to indicate that they are the service providers to deliver the remodelled home or place of business that you are paying for.

Experience

There is no dearth of flash in the pan remodeling contractors that are here today and gone tomorrow; all the while promising outstanding remodeling services. This is exactly why you cannot afford to undervalue experience when selecting a remodeling contractor to work on your home or commercial space.

An efficient remodeling contractor will have a track record of efficiency over the course of multiple years. The very same contractor will have a reputation that attracts clients, unlike others that get by on aggressive self-promotion. Experience in providing remodeling services over a course of multiple years is indicative of consistently good performances that help a company stay afloat in a very competitive market. When vetting a remodeling contractor to take care of your residential or commercial space remodeling needs; insist on hiring remodeling contractors with a reasonable amount of experience.

Client Communication

While communicating with your remodeling contractor should be a priority from the beginning to the end of a remodeling project; your remodeling contractor should prioritize communicating with you on the same level.

A common cliché in marketing states that; ‘the client is God’ and while it may not be literally so; your remodeling contractor should understand the importance of keeping channels of communication open at all times to be able to understand and deliver your vision for your newly remodeled home or place of business.

A Portfolio

A true understanding of the skill sets and capabilities of the remodeling contractor you choose to hire; is within the pages of a portfolio. A professional portfolio is one of the most effective ways to gauge the nature of services remodeling contractors provide. A portfolio enables you to make a choice based on the ability of a remodeling contractor to deliver the aesthetics, functionality and safety requirements that you expect from your remodeled residence or place of business.

Additional points to bear in mind while selecting a remodeling contractor are…

• Work only with seasoned contractors who have built up positive working relationships with vendors and suppliers to ensure that your remodeling project is brought to fruition without interruption to construction work.

• Deal only with remodeling contractors that have a clean slate without a prior record of unethical business practices.

• Ensure that your remodeling contractor fully comprehends your vision for your remodeled home or commercial space before taking up the project.

• If available; study client reviews for an in-depth understanding of the quality of services provided by remodeling contractors that you have shortlisted for your home or commercial space remodeling project.

• It is always a good thing to have multiple options to choose from before you make the final choice from among the many remodeling contractors at your disposal.

 

Footnotes: For residents of South Florida; Rapid Constructions has always been the entity to rely on for home and residential remodeling. Rapid Construction brings years of experience, excellent client communication skills, an extensive portfolio, ethical business practices and stellar workmanship to the table for any variation of home or commercial space remodeling.

South Florida’s Local Renovation Contractors | Rapid Construction

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South Florida’s Local Renovation Contractors

Residents and business owners of South Florida are often in need of local renovation contractors; homes and commercial buildings age, are prone to damage and need repairs to meet safety regulations and for the sake of aesthetics.

Getting these renovations done as soon as possible is the joint responsibility of the property owner and a local contractor that has been hired to do the job. The property owner shoulders the financial burden of home or business place renovation while local renovation contractors take on the logistics of the project and ensure that a renovation project is brought to fruition. Understanding the responsibilities, skill sets and the obligations that a local renovation contractor in South Florida must meet when hired to carry out a renovation project is imperative.

Responsibilities of a Renovation Contractor

 

Local renovation contractors in South Florida have a fixed set of responsibilities however the best contractors are often flexible in terms of the services they offer to their clients. The general responsibilities of a renovation contractor are mostly managerial in nature. The renovation contractor is responsible for providing material, labor, equipment and any other services needed to successfully carry out a renovation project. Renovation contractors are responsible for working out the logistics involved in a home or commercial space renovation project, they utilize their expertise to calculate the cost of renovation including material costs, labor charges and various other costs to provide the client with a quote prior to the commencement of renovation work. Additionally, they also act as consultants for the client; clearing doubts, answer questions and providing advice pertaining to ongoing renovations projects.

The onus is on the renovation contractor to commence renovation duties on time, to regulate the flow of supplies and equipment needed for the renovation project, to manage and coordinate labor at the renovation site and to complete a renovation project on time.

Licensing

While there is always a grey area wherein local renovation contractors are taking on renovation projects without legitimate licensing; it is always important to hire only licensed renovation contractors.
One must understand that prior to getting a Florida Building Contractors license in the state of Florida, an applicant must meet multiple qualification requirements. This includes having sufficient experience in the arena of home building and renovations and passing the state certification examinations. Clients can find assurance in the fact that licensed local renovation contractors have been vetted before getting state approval for carrying out renovation jobs. Once licensed; a contractor can carry out all sorts of building and renovation projects in the state of Florida including the building of commercial building, single dwelling residences, double-dwelling residences, home renovations, and commercial space renovations.

Services Offered by Renovation Contractors in South Florida

One must understand that most renovation contractors in South Florida do not limit the services they provide to renovations only. Contractors can perform residential services such as building custom homes, making major repairs and or completely renovate your home. General Contractors can also redesign commercial spaces, commercial remodeling, improving your business environment or completing remodeling your workspace. As such they cannot be strictly labeled as renovation contractors though they are often referred to as such; to put emphasis on one of the multiple services they provide. When you seek out the expertise of local renovation contractors in South Florida; it could mean that you are in need of…

• Roof removal and replacement
• Window replacement, adding impact windows especially in South Florida
• Repairs for your structural foundation; mainly limited to concrete and masonry work
• Fresh paint for walls, doors, windows or your entire house

Often times renovation overlaps with remodeling and creating additional space in a home or a business space setting and most local renovation contractors in Florida are able to take use these opportunities to further upgrade the home or business.

What to Look for in a Renovation Contractor

• It is imperative that a renovation contractor must have excellent managerial skills.

• Your contractor of choice should have the connections to ensure uninterrupted supply of labor, materials, and equipment to get a renovation project done on time.

• Work only with licensed Florida building contractors to ensure that you are hiring a professional who is vetted and certified by the state of Florida. For example, Rapid Construction’s is a licensed General Contractor CGC1522021

• Excellent communication skills is a great quality to look for in local renovation contractor. This is imperative to ensure that your contractor understands your renovation needs and delivers accordingly.

 

Foot Notes: Rapid Constructions is one of the leading general contractors in South Florida; encompassing all the attributes, qualities and qualifications required from legitimate and efficient local renovation contractors in South Florida. Make sure to check our video on the benefits of impact windows produced by Rapid Construction.  Call Rapid Construction for your free consultation 954-324-2390

Non-Impact vs Impact Rated sliding doors | Rapid Construction of Fl

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Non-Impact Sliding Doors

Sliding doors were once the main type of doors that led outside to many South Florida homes. Non-impact sliding glass doors were especially the type of door that were installed in many Floridian style homes and if you had a wooden or metal pole in the track of your sliding glass door you felt secured and protected.  These older type of residential doors are still in many homes and are frequently the weakest door in your house from both a security and storm resistance point of view. There are many reasons why you should consider replacing these doors and now is great time to upgrade your home because the price of impact doors and windows has decreased over the years and there are many benefits that will further reduce the expense.  These benefits range from better interior climate control to reduction in homeowners insurance and less potential damage in the event of a tropical depression or hurricane in South Florida.

New Impact Rated Doors

A lot has changed over the years and while sliding glass doors have gone in and out of style, the need for storm windows and doors have become more apparent in recent years.  Rapid Construction is a South Florida based company that knows first-hand the power of hurricanes, severe thunderstorms and tropical depressions that sweep though Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties.   Fortunately, programs such as Ygrene now provide an affordable method of acquiring hurricane rated doors and windows to many South Floridians. 

Benefits of Impact Doors

The impact doors you decide on can be customized to your exact requirements. There are now many styles of impact doors that you can choose from.  Many of the newer styles have esthetic accents that will blend perfectly with your home décor.  One of the first things you may notice after an impact door or window is installed is how much quieter your house becomes.  The insulation and thickness of the glass also significantly reduces noises from outside. In addition to dampening the noise you immediately get the feel of additional security. Simply tapping on the glass of an impact door or window will reveal a distinct sound difference as compared to a non-impact door or window.

Hurricane Protection for your South Florida Home

When it comes to protected your house from hurricane force winds, we suggest you view some videos on YouTube that demonstrate the ability to stop flying projectiles from breaking your windows and causing a devasting change in pressure which may actually lift your roof from house.  When you have impact doors and windows you are preventing this potential change in pressure and also preventing the elements from causing water damage.  Some examples of the roofs being lifted are shown below and were the primary cause of many changes to the South Florida Building Code. The current South Florida Building code now requires what is commonly referred to as “hurricane strapping your trusses” to essentially anchor the structural roof truss to the tie beam of your home. 

Rapid Construction of Cooper City

The doors that Rapid Construction recommends give the finest quality, and are supplied by only the most reputable companies that are fast and dependable. You can also select an impact rated French door, that will have all the same benefits and be just as energy efficient. 

Give Rapid Construction a call when you are ready to upgrade your home or if you have any questions about our partnership with Ygrene.  We offer a free consultation and are ready to get you prepared for another hurricane season. Make sure to check out our other article about preparing your house for the 2018 Florida Hurricane season.

 

Rapid Construction
12240 SW 53 Street, Suite 502
Cooper City, Fl 33330

954-324-2390

Cooper City Licensed Contractor | Rapid Construction in Cooper City

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Rapid Construction is your Cooper City Licensed General Contractor

From custom homes to complete home renovations and additions, Rapid Construction of Cooper City can do it all.  Our company specializes in providing your home or business with construction, remodeling and repair services for your property.

Is this going to be the year you invest in hurricane rated impact doors and windows for your home?  Are you tired of having to find space to store your hurricane shutters or having to install heavy and sometimes dangerous shutters? Rapid Construction has partnered with Ygrene and can now offer financial solutions to make replacing your old non-impact doors and windows with modern impact rated doors and windows at an affordable price.

Rapid Construction has helped residents of Cooper City and surrounding communities in the past by offering to assist with shutter installation at a reduced price.  However, the best way to protect your home is by upgrading to impact rated doors and windows. This eliminates the need to install shutters often times in hazardous conditions and also protects you from those unexpected storms that we frequently get in Florida.

Now is the time to start planning for Hurricane season and to start hurricane proofing your home or business.  Cooper City and surrounding areas have dodged a direct path of recent major hurricanes and experts are predicting once again a higher than normal season.  You have seen what damage the hurricanes that have missed Cooper City and surrounding areas have caused.

Our Hurricane season officially runs from June 1 through November 30. In the Eastern Caribbean and along the U.S. East Coast, the season tends to be busiest between mid-August and mid-September.

Whether you live in Cooper City, Pembroke Pines, Davie, Miramar, Southwest Ranches or the surrounding South Florida region, we are ready to help you prepare and to hurricane proof your home.

We have training, knowledge and ability to handle any home or commercial project. We offer free quotes and consultation. Rapid Construction sets itself apart by its guarantee of client satisfaction. Allow us to make your dreams a reality! Make sure you visit our website and learn more about our Ygrene program.

Rapid Construction
12240 SW 53rd St, Suite 502
Cooper City, Fl 33330
954-228-2300

We are Ygrene Certified Contractors | Rapid Construction South Florida

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Rapid Construction is now your Ygrene Certified Contractor

What is Ygrene:

Ygrene’s award-winning PACE program provides 100 percent, no money down PACE financing to help property owners make cost-effective energy efficiency, renewable energy, water conservation, safety and storm protection improvements to residential, multifamily buildings. Eligibility is based on equity and your ability to pay, among other factors. No minimum FICO score is required. Payments can be spread out up to 30 years in some states, and your first annual payment may be deferred for up to one year or longer, subject to underwriting guidelines, approvals and date of funding.

South Florida General Contractors

Customer of Rapid Construction should expect quality service, and peace of mind.  All of our work include permits and billing will be done through us. We provide our customers with the peace of mind that the job is getting done, in a timely manner and through a State Certified and Licensed Contractor.

More information about the Y Grene program:

The Y grene site has the following bullet points:
• 100% Financing, No Money Down
• No Payments For Up To 12+ Months
• Based On Home Equity
• No Minimum FICO Required
• Get Prequalified In Minutes
Call Rapid Construction for more information about the Ygrene program and how we can start your next home improvement/addition project using Ygrene. For more information about our services, you can explore our Rapid Construction South Florida page.
Rapid Construction
12240 SW 53rd St #502,
Cooper City FL 33330

House Renovations | Add Value to Your House

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House Renovations Can Add Value to Your House When Planning to Sell

Certain home renovations and additions will also increase your home value significantly if you are planning to sell it in future. If you have lived in South Florida for as long as we have, you know how competitive the real estate market is.  A newly renovated home sells much quicker than one that is stuck in the past.  For instance, any renovations made to your kitchen will bring a higher returns. Upgrading your driveway and making your home energy-efficient will also help you sell your Florida home faster when the right time comes.

Today, most of the South Florida homebuyers are interested in the minor renovations and additions that you make to keep your home in top shape. Working with an expert like Rapid Construction, will help you understand the kind of South Florida home renovations and additions that matter most to potential homebuyers. A complete home renovation may be less expensive than you think, especially when compared to building a new home.

Home Additions Add Longevity to Your House

All homeowners require more space in their rooms, especially in bathrooms. Whenever you think about renovating your home, think about remodeling your bathrooms. Such renovations and home additions always add longevity and value to your home. Carefully thought-out home renovations and additions can also offer you additional space for storage, closets and maybe even that additional bathroom that you have always dreamt of. 

Energy and Money Saving by choosing to renovate your home

Are you tired of paying high electric bills and wish to save more money? Then consider upgrading your home to become energy-efficient. You can start by replacing your bulbs and we can help by upgrading your kitchen and bathroom. You can also renovate your walls by insulting them to keep your home warmer in winter and cool during summer. You should also consider changing your home doors and windows to let more sunlight in your house or add impact doors and windows for maximum insulation and protection during hurricane season. All of this additions and changes can save you a lot of money when it comes to paying your energy bill. Contact Rapid Construction, we are located in Cooper City and provide service throughout Broward County and the entire South Florida area. Additional information regarding home construction can be viewed on our Residential Construction page.

 

Rapid Construction
12240 SW 53rd St #502,
Cooper City FL 33330